Sachin, Chhetri among stars who descend on Wankhede, as Messi’s G.O.A.T Tour makes Mumbai pit stop

Sachin Tendulkar, the God of cricket, walked across the Wankhede Stadium outfield towards Lionel Messi, the global messiah of football, on a Sunday evening that will be etched in Mumbai’s sporting folklore.

He presented the Argentine star with the iconic 2011 Cricket World Cup jersey, bearing ‘Tendulkar’ and the number 10 on the back.

Messi returned the gesture with a replica of the Trionda, the football to be used in next year’s FIFA World Cup.

Yet the loudest cheer of the night was reserved for a different exchange—when Messi handed over his Argentina jersey to Sunil Chhetri, Indian football’s enduring face, triggering a roar that momentarily drowned out other chants.

The hallowed turf of the Wankhede thus added another glorious chapter to Indian sporting history as Tendulkar and Messi shared the centrestage during a grand event in Mumbai, Messi’s third stop in his four-city G.O.A.T. India tour.

READ: Messi’s India visit: A genuine love lost in dystopian opportunism

Messi spent an hour at the venue, interacting with young footballers, Tendulkar, Chhetri, and celebrities from the entertainment world. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis—in attendance with his wife, Amruta, and veteran football administrator Praful Patel—announced the launch of Project Maha-Deva, a statewide initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young football talent while assuring world-class infrastructure support.

Accompanied by Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, Messi walked out to a packed stadium that resonated with chants of “Messi… Messi,” at times making the Wankhede feel closer to Barcelona’s Camp Nou. The chants of “Sachin… Sachin” peaked once Tendulkar joined Messi on stage, with the batting legend recalling India’s 2011 World Cup triumph at the venue and praising Messi’s dedication and achievements.

Messi also interacted with former India captain Chhetri and members of the Mitra Stars and India Stars teams, who featured in a seven-a-side exhibition match, and young players from Project Maha-Deva. The evening concluded with Messi and his teammates taking a lap of the ground, kicking footballs into the stands—a moment that will remain unforgettable for Mumbai’s sports fans.

Published on Dec 14, 2025